Optimal TCSC placement in a power system by means of Differential Evolution Algorithm considering loss minimization

Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices represents a recent technological development in electrical power systems, which makes utilities able to control power flow, increase transmission line stability limits, and improve security of transmission systems. In addition, FACTS devices can be used to maximize power transfer capability and minimize transmission system power loss, leading to an efficient utilization of existing power systems. However to what extent the performance of FACTS devices can be brought out highly depends upon the location and the parameters of these devices. In this paper, we propose one of the newest Evolutionary Optimization Techniques, namely Differential Evolution (DE) to select the optimal location and the optimal parameter setting of TCSC which minimize the active power losses in the power network, and compare it is performances with Genetic Algorithm (GA). To show the validity of the proposed techniques and for comparison purposes, simulations are carried out on several power systems, a three-bus power system, a five-bus power system, and an IEEE-14 bus power system. The results, we have obtained, indicate that DE is an easy to use, fast, robust and powerful optimization technique compared with genetic algorithm (GA). The results are presented in the paper together with appropriate discussion.